1. Boil 5 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon salt . Then add pasta.

2. Boil uncovered for 6-9 minutes being careful not to overcook. It will fall apart while you are stuffing them if overcooked.

3. Drain well. Cool in single layer in a large pan full of cold water. 

Tofu filling:

1 block of firm tofu, mashed. (These tofu blocks are now sold in different sizes. Water surrounds the block and it is hard to tell by weight when purchasing. Dry weight of 14-16 oz is the amount referred to)

3/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. oregano powder

1 1/4 tsp. sweet basil

1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1 1/2 tsp. salt.

 1 Cup onion, chopped and sautéed

Mix together and stuff into Manicotti. This is real fun for children to do. They learn how to be gentle and keep the cheese from pouring out the other side. We place them on end then slip a finger under that end when ready to lift and place in pan.

When all pieces are ready and side by side in the pan. Dribble the tomato sauce then the cheese sauce over that. Bake for 10-15 minutes on 400 degrees F.

2 Cans cooked tomatoes (one pound)

1 C onion, chopped

1/2 clove garlic

1/2 C. green pepper

1/4 tsp. sweet basil,

pinch of oregano

1 tsp salt

1-3 Tablespoons honey (Depending on how ripe the tomatoes)

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 tiny can Mushrooms (Optional) 

1 tsp parsley

Directions:

In a deep kettle, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and sauté lightly, about 4 minutes. Add the rest of ingredients and let it simmer uncovered for about half an hour.

"Tofu Cheese topping"

Into blender combine

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dill weed

1/4 garlic clove

1 pkg.of tofu mori-nu silken sealed package. Discard water out of box and place tofu in blender.

1 little tiny jar of canned red sweet peppers (pimento) (adds color)

1/2 cup of sesame seeds (provides rich cheesy flavor) Hint: (Whiz this one first and it will end up smoother.)

2-3 Tablespoons of nutritional yeast flakes (great cheese flavor)

1 tsp Bills chicken ish seasoning

1 hot boiled potato (helps thicken and adds volume to sauce)

1 tsp lemon juice concentrate (helps thicken)